Gluconolactone
Gluconolactone (GDL) Manufacturer | Gentle PHA & Food Acidulant Headline: Premium Gluconolactone (GDL) Manufacturer | High Purity PHA & Tofu Coagulant (CAS: 90-80-2) Sub-headline: 99.0% Purity | Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) for Sensitive Skin | Slow-Release Acidulant Unique Selling Proposition (USP): • Dual-Action: Functions as a premium cosmetic exfoliant (PHA) and a high-quality food coagulant/acidifier. • Gentle Efficacy: Next-generation AHA alternative with larger molecular size, reducing skin irritation. • Controlled Release: Hydrolyzes slowly to gluconic acid in aqueous solutions, providing a progressive pH reduction.
Introduction
Gluconolactone (Delta-Gluconolactone / GDL), CAS No. 90-80-2, is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) derived from glucose oxidation. It appears as a white crystalline powder that is odorless and freely soluble in water.
In the cosmetic industry, it is celebrated as a "Second Generation AHA." Unlike traditional Glycolic Acid, its multiple hydroxyl groups attract water, providing intense hydration while offering gentle exfoliation suitable for sensitive skin. In the food industry, it serves as a slow-release acidulant, primarily known as the key coagulant for silken tofu and a leavening acid for bakery products.
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Functions
1.Gentle Exfoliation (Cosmetics)
• Mechanism: Weakens cell adhesion in the stratum corneum (top skin layer).
• Action: Promotes cell turnover to reveal brighter skin without the burning sensation often associated with AHAs. Ideal for rosacea-prone or post-procedure skin.
2.Humectant & Barrier Repair
• Mechanism: Contains 4 hydroxyl groups (-OH) that bind water molecules.
• Action: Enhances skin hydration and strengthens the moisture barrier, reducing Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL).
3.Protein Coagulation (Food)
• Mechanism: Slowly hydrolyzes into Gluconic Acid when dissolved in water, gradually lowering pH.
• Action: Ideally suited for tofu production. The slow acidification allows for a uniform protein network formation, resulting in the smooth, glossy texture of Silken Tofu.
Applications
1.Skincare & Peels
• Application: Anti-aging serums, toners, and chemical peels (up to 15%).
• Why it works: Provides "Glass Skin" effects—smoothing texture and hydrating simultaneously. It is also an antioxidant and chelating agent.
2.Food Industry (Tofu & Bakery)
• Application: Silken Tofu coagulant (0.3% - 0.5% dosage).
• Why it works: Prevents sourness and premature coagulation. In baking, it reacts with baking soda to release CO2 for consistent leavening.
3.Meat Processing
• Application: Fermented sausages (Salami).
• Why it works: Accelerates color fixation and improves shelf life by lowering pH effectively.
Flow Chart
1.Fermentation/Oxidation: Glucose syrup is oxidized using enzymes (Glucose Oxidase) or microbial fermentation (Aspergillus niger).
2.Purification: Removal of residual glucose and impurities via ion exchange.
3.Concentration: Evaporation of the gluconic acid solution.
4.Crystallization: Controlled cooling to form the lactone ring structure (GDL).
5.Centrifugation: Separation of crystals.
6.Drying: Fluid bed drying.
7.Sieving: Ensuring defined mesh size (e.g., 20-60 mesh).
8.Packaging: 25kg Paper Bag with PE liner.
Quality Standard of Lactoferrin
Product: Gluconolactone (FCC / USP Grade)
CAS: 90-80-2
| Item | Specification | Result |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder | Conforms |
| Assay | 99.0% - 100.5% | 99.8% |
| Reducing Substances | ≤ 0.5% | 0.2% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | < 2 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2 ppm | < 0.5 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 3 ppm | < 1 ppm |
| Sulfate | ≤ 0.05% | Conforms |
| Chloride | ≤ 0.02% | Conforms |
Method of Analysis of Lactoferrin
Test Method: Titration (Acid-Base)
• Procedure: Dissolve sample in water and standard NaOH solution. Allow saponification to occur. Back-titrate excess alkali with standard HCl using Phenolphthalein as indicator.
• Identification: Infrared Absorption (IR) matches standard reference spectrum.
Reference Chromatogram of Lactoferrin Reference Substance
(Note: For GDL, HPLC is also used for impurity profiling)
The HPLC profile using an Aminex HPX-87H column typically shows a clear separation between Gluconolactone and Gluconic Acid (its hydrolysis product). A fresh, high-purity sample will show a dominant peak for the lactone form.
Stability and Safety
Stability Studies
• Hydrolysis Warning: GDL is stable in dry powder form. However, in aqueous solution, it spontaneously hydrolyzes to gluconic acid (equilibrium approx 55:45 acid:lactone at room temp). Formulators must account for this pH drift.
• Shelf Life: 24 Months when stored dry.
• Storage Condition: Strictly keep in a cool, dry place. Hygroscopic – will clump if exposed to humidity.
Safety & Handling (MSDS Summary)
• Classification: Non-hazardous. GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FDA.
• Handling: Avoid inhaling dust. Causes mild eye irritation (powder form).
• Storage: Keep container tightly closed.
Customer Comments
Production Manager, SoyMaster Foods (Japan)
2026.04.01
★★★★☆
R&D Director, CleanBeauty Labs (USA)
2026.04.01
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FAQ
What is the pH of Gluconolactone in solution?
A fresh 1% solution has a pH of approx 3.5. Over 60 minutes, as it hydrolyzes to gluconic acid, the pH drops further to approx 2.5. This "slow release" is its key feature.
Is it vegan?
Yes, it is produced via fermentation of carbohydrate sources (corn/glucose) and contains no animal derivatives.
Can it be used with Vitamin C?
Yes, in cosmetics, it is compatible with Vitamin C and can even help chelate metal ions that would otherwise degrade the Vitamin C, improving formula stability.
References
1.Grimes, P.E., et al. (2004). "The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin." Cutis.
2.Edison, B.L., et al. (2005). "A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen." Current Medical Research and Opinion.
3.FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. "Glucono-delta-lactone: Evaluation of Acceptable Daily Intake."
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